Green activist killings up by a fifth - Global Witness

[Judi Lynn]

2. Report reveals spike in killings of environmentalists

Report reveals spike in killings of environmentalists

Global Witness says 116 activists were killed last year, a 20 percent rise from the previous year.

A report released by Global Witness shows a 20 percent increase in the number of killings of land and environmental activists last year, highlighting Honduras as the most dangerous country to campaign in.

The document released by the UK-based non-governmental organisation states that 116 activists were killed in 2014, an average of two per week. Forty-seven of the victims were members of indigenous groups.

"Nearly three-quarters of killings occurred in Central and South America, with South East Asia second worst-hit," Global Witness said in Monday's report titled "How Many More?"

Activists in Brazil, Colombia and the Philippines were among the most targeted.

Honduras, the organisation said, was the most dangerous country per capita to be an environmental and land activist, with 111 killings between 2002 and 2014.

More:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/04/report-reveals-spike-killings-environmentalists-150420144456224.html